Which Gadget Tank Should You Choose in Splatoon Raiders?

After completing your initial treasure raids in Splatoon Raiders, you will be tasked with selecting your first gadget tank. While this might feel like a monumental decision, rest assured that your choice isn’t permanent; you are free to swap between them later. However, one specific tank stands out for its versatility, offering the safest and most efficient path for mastering new playstyles without unnecessary risk.

Below, we break down which gadget tank you should prioritize in Splatoon Raiders to optimize your early-game experience.

Should you pick the speed, power, or technical gadget tank in Splatoon Raiders?

Image: Nintendo EPD/Nintendo via Polygon

While every tank possesses unique utility, we highly recommend selecting the technical gadget tank. Its starting item, the Shot Pot, is a game-changer; this automated turret lobs ink at nearby adversaries, remaining active for several seconds while its cooldown runs in the background. By the time it vanishes, it is nearly ready to be deployed again. This persistent presence gives it a significant edge over the other tanks’ starting gadgets, which are often single-use tools saddled with lengthy recharge times.

Beyond simple cooldown management, the technical tank is simply more reliable. The power tank relies on the Splatter Hatchet—a dash-and-slash maneuver that leaves you dangerously exposed if you miss your mark or get swarmed. Similarly, the speed tank’s Blast Boot, while mobile, features a limited range that struggles to make a meaningful impact against encroaching Salmonid hordes.

The Shot Pot acts like an auxiliary teammate, covering blind spots and controlling space you cannot reach directly. It creates essential breathing room for you to retreat or focus on higher-priority threats. Even as you unlock advanced gadgets, the technical tank remains supreme; for instance, you can strategically place and chain Bombloons to create massive, screen-clearing explosions, all while maintaining a safe distance from the fray.

How to change gadget tanks in Splatoon Raiders

Image: Nintendo EPD/Nintendo via Polygon

If you decide it is time to switch things up, simply open your menu with the Plus button and navigate to the “Tanks” tab. Much like weapon loadouts, you are only permitted to adjust your tank and gadget configuration at the ship base between missions; you cannot modify your gear once you have deployed to a raid.

Keep in mind that while skill point upgrades are shared across all tanks, experience levels are not. Each tank must be leveled up independently, meaning you will need to farm Salmonid eggs to boost any new tank you decide to main. For efficient leveling, prioritize replaying dungeon stages where you can leverage multipliers and shatter multiple crystals before completing the run.

Source: Polygon